Today’s Artist Spotlight is a most unusual one. Although he flies under the radar and his name might not be known to many, he’s actually been performing on EVERY Cruise to the Edge! To clear up this mystery, we’re including Brook Hansen here so that you’ll know where those delightful prog piano notes are coming from.
Brook will be stationed in the Schooner Bar on Deck 4 right next to the main glass elevators, and right above the Royal Theater, where he’ll be playing two sets each day. He will be performing some of his original pieces as well as classic prog-rock from the likes of Yes, ELP, Kansas, Rick Wakeman, Jethro Tull, King Crimson, Dream Theater, Uriah Heep, Genesis and more. As an added bonus, special guests from the bands often sit in with Brook and jam. There have been many special moments on past Cruises, with guests like Ted Leonard, Neal Morse, Tom Brislin, Geoff Downes and many more. You never know what treat you might experience, never to be repeated!
Since attending the Music and Arts Institute of San Francisco in 1979, majoring in classical piano and composition, Brook would often learn Rick Wakeman pieces in his spare time. He has started and been part of various prog-rock bands and orchestras over the many years and in 2012 first got the call from Larry Morand to join the first Cruise to the Edge. Below are a few samples from his Prog Rock Orchestra and live piano bar gigs:
